InspirEmail

Look Ahead

A major source of discouragement is the mistaken assumption that the future equals the past. It is difficult indeed to keep going when previous experience has produced so much disappointment. But the fact is that life does not have to follow a straight line. At any point, it is possible to change direction.

Great accomplishments often come on the heels of bitter disappointments. Rather than assuming that you're doomed by your past, consider all the ways you can create a bright future.

Each day, each moment is a new opportunity, independent of what has gone before. Learn what you can by looking back, but spend the bulk of your time and attention looking forward. The past may be full of despair, but you don't have to live there anymore.

Your new home is being built in the future, and you can make it as wonderful as you wish.

Written by Ralph Marston

Featured Positive Inspirational Story

Encouragement works

At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, 'Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?' The little boy nodded yes.' 'Do you . . .read more >>>

What you're listening for!

Two friends were walking through the centre of the city on their way to a meeting. It was at the start of the lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxis were squealing around corners and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, one of them said to the other, 'I hear a cricket.'

His friend said, 'What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket through all of this noise!'

'No, I'm sure I heard a cricket' he replied.

'That's crazy,' said his friend.

He listened carefully for a moment, and then walked a few paces to a large cement planter box where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes and beneath the branches, sure enough he found a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.

'That's incredible,' said his friend. 'You must have super-human ears!'

'No,' he replied. 'My ears are no different from yours, it all depends on what you're listening for.'

'But that can't be!' said the friend. 'I could never hear a cricket in this noise.'

'Yes, it's true,' came the reply. 'It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you.'

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins and discreetly dropped them on to the pavement. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within several metres turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

'See what I mean?' he said. 'It all depends on what's important to you.'